Intermediate Parolinia (Parolinia intermedia)

Photo: Robert MartinCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped

Intermediate Parolinia Plant Care

Parolinia intermedia Svent. & Bramwell

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

With its striking variegated foliage of deep green and bright yellow, this plant originates from the tropical regions of South America. Plant collectors are drawn to Parolinia intermedia for its unique and eye-catching appearance, making it a desirable addition to any collection.

🌱Herbs
Water

Every 7–10 days

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Temp

50–75°F

Humidity

40–70%

At a glance

How do you care for Intermediate Parolinia?

Plant Intermediate Parolinia in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 12a) and water a young shrub every 7–10 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F (10–24°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.

Where Is the Intermediate Parolinia Native To?

Native range1 country

What Is the Intermediate Parolinia?

Intermediate Parolinia (Parolinia intermedia) belongs to the Brassicaceae family within the Parolinia genus. Intermediate Parolinia is native to the island of Tenerife in the Canary Islands of Spain. Intermediate Parolinia is also known as Greeneyed Devil's Claw, South American Devil's Claw.

Intermediate Parolinia displays a low rosette, spreading ground cover growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Intermediate Parolinia produces small clusters of white or yellow flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Intermediate Parolinia?

Water a young or newly planted Intermediate Parolinia every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Watering Frequency

Every 7–10 days

Until established; then in dry spells

What Light Does the Intermediate Parolinia Need?

Intermediate Parolinia thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Light Requirement

Full sun to partial shade

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Intermediate Parolinia Prefer?

Parolinia intermedia tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F. Intermediate Parolinia prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Temperature

50–75°F

Humidity

40–70%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Intermediate Parolinia?

Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Intermediate Parolinia to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Intermediate Parolinia?

Feed Intermediate Parolinia every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

Fertilizing

Every 6 months

During the growing season

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Where Should You Plant a Intermediate Parolinia?

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Intermediate Parolinia is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

How Far Apart Should You Plant a Intermediate Parolinia?

Intermediate Parolinia can spread to about 1 ft (0.3 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.3 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

How Do You Prune a Intermediate Parolinia?

Prune Intermediate Parolinia while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

How Do You Care for a Intermediate Parolinia in Winter?

Intermediate Parolinia is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

How Do You Propagate a Intermediate Parolinia?

Intermediate Parolinia can be propagated through seeds, division of clumps. Similar propagation techniques also apply to parolinia ornata plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Intermediate Parolinia Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Intermediate Parolinia, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.

This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

What Pests and Diseases Affect the Intermediate Parolinia?

Intermediate Parolinia is susceptible to aphids, cabbage worms, flea beetles. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Intermediate Parolinia Need?

Intermediate Parolinia grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Intermediate Parolinia is native to the island of Tenerife in the Canary Islands of Spain. In cooler regions, grow Intermediate Parolinia as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 12a

Keep exploring plants

Intermediate Parolinia is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.

It belongs to the Parolinia genus — compare its care with other Parolinia species on PlantoScan.

Parolinia is part of the Brassicaceae plant family — browse all Brassicaceae genera and species.

Intermediate Parolinia thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

Related Plant Care Guides

Closely related plants with similar care requirements:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Parolinia intermedia Svent. & Bramwell, family Brassicaceae (first published in Bot. Not. 123: 398 (1970)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Intermediate Parolinia, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
  • Photo: Robert Martin, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
  • Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
  • Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.

Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.

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